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From a young age, Drew DeSantis, (grandson of the late Anthony DeSantis, founder of Drury Lane dinner theatre) recalls helping his grandfather update the Rolodex, clean banquet chairs and peel carrots in the theater kitchen. It was good, honest work that prepared him to follow the family dream, and prepare it for a robust future. Having recently graduating from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business with a masters degree, DeSantis serves as the CFO of Drury Lane, where he’s helped produce more than 41 productions. It’s still a family affair; his brother Kyle is Drury Lane’s CEO. And …

The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia is proud to honor local legal titan Louis C. Cairo as Man of the Year at its 45th annual dinner dance. The event will take place on April 11 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Louis is a senior partner at the GWC Law Firm: Chicago’s largest personal injury and workers’ compensation firm. Growing up as the son of an Italian immigrant who owned a union construction company in Northern Illinois, Louis acquired considerable experience with and respect for the men and women working in the construction industry. His close family upbringing has …

The Italian American Veterans Museum took a quantum leap forward on Sept. 28, celebrating its grand reopening with the dedication of a new exhibit celebrating Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. State Senator Don Harmon and Stone Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla were among the dignitaries who took part in the noon dedication ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 well-wishers, including more than four dozen veterans. The United States Navy Band from the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Foster Avenue in Chicago graced the event with their presence. Joe and …

The Flowers of Italy Club will honor a longstanding pillar of the community as their 2015 Man of the Year. Sonny Nicotera will take center stage when the venerable Melrose Park-based organization celebrates its 54th annual dinner dance on March 28 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Born in Cicero, Nicotera moved with his family to Melrose Park as a teen to the house that he still calls home. He was a manager of the Dining Car Services for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad until his retirement 12 years ago. A longtime member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel …

State Rep. John D’Amico is highlighting a new law that went into effect aimed at easing the burden on drivers stopped for minor traffic offenses. “We need smart laws that hold drivers accountable, but also ones that recognize common-sense realities,” D’Amico said. “This legislation prevents motorists from being unnecessarily burdened while maintaining the safety of our roadways.” Senate Bill 2583 allows drivers to retain their licenses after being cited for minor traffic violations, including speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, driving without insurance, improper lane change and disobeying a traffic control device. By reinstating the ‘Sign and Drive’ law in Illinois, …

Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. When the Stevenson High Patriots squared off against the Glenbard West Hilltoppers in late November, four grandnephews of DuPage County businessman Jerry Marchese took part in the match. Marchese’s nephew, John, contributed three sons to the competition, with elder brother Jimmy suiting up as strong side linebacker and twin brothers Michael and Henry serving as wide receivers and on special teams. On the Glenbard West side of the ball was Matteo DiMarco, son of Marchese’s daughter Jacqui. The Patriots went on to win the Illinois class 8A state championship in a thrilling, down …

The Italian American Veterans Museum took a quantum leap forward on Sept. 28, celebrating its grand reopening with the dedication of a new exhibit celebrating Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. State Senator Don Harmon and Melrose Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla were among the dignitaries who took part in the noon dedication ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 well-wishers, including more than four dozen veterans. The United States Navy Band from the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Foster Avenue in Chicago graced the event with their presence. Joe …

By day, Frank De Vincentis works as a financial advisor. But De Vincentis also has a hobby — and a passion — he hopes to share with others through charity: opera singing. De Vincentis credits his High School best friend for his love for opera and introducing him to the Golden Age of singing. De Vincentis recalls performing from a young age in musical theatre and was later introduced to his best friend’s father and vocal coach: Carl Lawrenz. “I owe a lot of my love of classical musical to Carl.” states De Vincentis, who graduated from DePaul University in …

When Joy Loverde was just 14 years old, she volunteered to help out at a nursing home on Thanksgiving morning. Coming as she did from a loving Italian family, she was shocked by what she saw. “I couldn’t understand why seven people were sitting in the dark with no one around them, when I was going home to a large, wonderful Italian fest,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Something is terribly wrong here. How could this happen?’” Many years later, Loverde would keep that moment in mind and heart when she wrote “The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Questions to …